The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah has said lawlessness in the mining sector has turned the sector into a threat to rivers, environment and health.
During the inauguration of the new cohort of 530 Blue Water Guards on Friday, July 25, 2025 at Ezinlibo Naval Base in Jomoro, Kofi-Buah noted that when mining is done responsibly, it could drive development and improve communities.
He explained that the enemy in the sector is “the lawlessness that has turned this sector into a threat.”
He noted that for this reason, government has taken action through the Blue Water Initiative—a comprehensive strategy to rescue rivers and enforce sustainable practices.
The inauguration marks the second cohort of the Blue Water Guards, the frontline defenders in protecting rivers from illegal mining. 453 personnel have already been recruited, trained and deployed.
According to the Minister, their impact has been “tremendous” whiles their vigilance has led to “measurable progress in our fight against galamsey, proving that this approach works.”
He charged the second cohort of Blue Water Guards to uphold their responsibility with courage and integrity.
Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah urged the Guards to monitor and protect, report violations and prevent further harm to rivers, enforce the law and engage communities.
“Be the eyes and ears of our rivers, hold polluters accountable without fear or favor and work hand-in-hand with locals to foster stewardship of our water resources,” he stated.
“To our new recruits: You are not just guards; you are community vanguards, entrusted with a sacred duty. In the spirit of the Young Pioneers, I charge you to uphold this responsibility with courage and integrity,” the Minister said.
He assured them of support from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat (NAIMOS) which is the operational nerve-centre for Ghana’s fight against illegal small-scale mining and its associated environmental degradation, particularly in water bodies.
The Minister also disclosed that the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Program will soon be launched to empower local miners with legal, sustainable alternatives.
This program, he said will provide training, modern equipment, and cooperative frameworks to ensure mining benefits communities without destroying the environment.
“Blue Water Guards, be assured, the people of Ghana are behind you and together, we will restore our rivers to their rightful state: clean, blue, and life-giving. We are proud of your commitment during training, and we expect nothing less than your best in the field,” he remarked.
The Blue Water Guards Initiative is a Ghanaian government program designed to combat illegal mining (galamsey) and protect the country’s water bodies. It involves training and deploying security personnel to monitor and patrol major rivers, providing surveillance and intelligence to the Ghana Navy and other relevant agencies.
The initiative aims to curb galamsey activities, restore polluted water resources, and ensure the sustainable use of water bodies.
Lands Minister charges newly inaugurated 530 Blue Water Guards to work with courage and integrity
